By Kelly Corbett
Imagine yourself in a few weeks: you’re sitting at your dining room table, inhaling the sweet aroma of turkey, and giving grace as the stuffing is passed around. Perhaps in a couple of hours you’re up for a bargain, waiting for the Target doors to open at 3 a.m. Or maybe you’re holding off a few days to click your way to online savings. You know this scene all too well.
Slowly stockings are hung and presents are placed under the tree; the greatest time of the year is almost here yet your wallet keeps feeling lighter and lighter. After the carols are sung, it’s Dec. 26 and you have $2.07 left in your bank account. How did this happen? After all the presents you bought, you couldn’t even shake a nickel out of Ms. Piggy. Admit it, we all get a little reckless during the holidays. Who doesn’t want to be able to put a smile on a loved one’s face as presents are exchanged? But there has to be a way to do it all and still have enough money for that sparkly New Year’s dress.
So how does one manage their money during the holidays? Are there realistic ways to save money without being too cheap? If saving money is your thing, you’ve come to the right place! Time to prepare early for your best holiday shopping ever.
1. Make a list of your expenses: If you know what you are going to need to buy, jot it down with the prices and then add up the total. If the total is too much, cut back. Make a budget and don’t allow yourself to exceed it. I’m sure you don’t need everything on your list, although you may want to buy it.
Sure it’s so easy to swipe that Visa or American Express and sign, but a month later, you’ll stare at the bill and not even remember buying that item. Credit cards are remarkably convenient yet such a dangerous thing. Be careful!
2. If you don’t have the money, don’t charge it: Consider paying in cash or debit during the holiday season. That way, once you’re out of money, you’re forced to put the shopping bags down.
3. Send an e-card: Holiday greeting cards are a nice gesture, but $3.99 here and there from Hallmark starts to add up. Take advantage of the world of technology and send an e-card – they’re free, neat, have personalization options and you don’t even have to lick the envelope!
4. Alleviate stress by starting early: When it comes to holiday shopping, give yourself time. Just like we all tend to procrastinate on that research paper, we also tend to leave our gift planning until the last minute. By giving yourself more time, you can take advantage of sales and you don’t run the risk of your gift being out of stock.
5. Be practical: Although it’s corny to say, it really is the thought that counts. If you have a long list of people you need to buy for, they all don’t need a fancy expensive gift. If you’re not very close with someone but still want to give them a gift, give them something simple or handmade, like cookies. You’ll still get the joy of giving without splurging.
Even though we still have some time leading up to the holidays, these tips will help you prepare so that you can do the most important rule of all – enjoy the weeks leading up to the holidays!